Meryl Streep is the Queen of subtle style: Here's how to steal her look

Time of India

a day ago

In a fashion world that often favors extravagance over elegance, picking subtle sophistication over and over again?
Groundbreaking!
But that's what Miranda Priestly…Err…
Meryl Streep
is all about!
At 75, Meryl Streep still reigns supreme as the undisputed queen of understated chic.
Think classic, timeless, while making a statement? Commanding, without a loud bang? Meryl Streep is all that and more! The three-time Oscar winner has become a style icon not through shock value or runway antics, but through her quiet yet vivid presence, evergreen wardrobe choices, and graceful embrace of age and authenticity.
She continues to redefine style on her own terms, favoring clean lines, luxe fabrics, and an air of dignified confidence that feels as fresh on the red carpet as it does at a press junket.
Whether gracing red carpets with her signature smile and warmth or embodying the icy poise of the legendary Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl's wardrobe is a masterclass in understated sophistication.
Want to steal her look? Not sure if we can ace it, but sure we can try!
A thriving icon (without even trying too hard)
Unlike many Hollywood A-listers who rely on stylists to deliver shock-and-awe, Meryl Streep's fashion choices whisper rather than shout. She's never been one for flashy logos, skimpy silhouettes, or fast fashion. Instead, her look is defined by:
Soft tailoring
Monochromatic palettes
Sustainable fabrics
Structured yet feminine silhouettes
Effortless layering
She doesn't chase trends; she transcends them.
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And that, in itself, is the most powerful fashion move of all.
Making of Meryl's Style
While a certain sense of style and fashion does come with a personality built within, we can always take cues from the patterns. Meryl Streep is no different case study.
The keynotes:
Crisp collars and shirt-dresses double up as secret weapons
Streep's go-to off-duty silhouette? An evergreen testament to favoring structured collars, often in the form of shirt-dresses or crisp white blouses. A crisp, flattering shirt dress, usually belted, sometimes printed, always breezy.
Whether it's an all-black dress shirt at a premiere or a breezy linen tunic on vacation, these pieces frame the face and command attention subtly. It's chic, yet classic, and it adds that big-bucks 'effortless polish'.
Recreate your own look:
Opt for a midi-length shirt dress in cotton poplin or linen. Try a midi-length shirtdress in a neutral tone (white, navy, camel). Unbutton the collar for casual sophistication.
Add a waist-defining belt (think leather or raffia) and flats or mules. Finish with simple hoop earrings and a low bun.
Monochrome magic
Like Miranda Priestly, Meryl knows the power of a perfect palette. A head-to-toe monochrome outfit is all things magic. Remember Miranda's mirror moment? That black turtleneck with a black blazer and silver chain necklace is a masterclass in tonal layering.
Be it ivory-on-ivory, forest green, navy head-to-toe, or steel blue, Meryl, too, builds her outfits in single-tone palettes that create visual harmony and elongate the figure.
Recreate your own look:
Choose a power color as your base—black, cream, slate blue, or olive green—and build your outfit around it, blazer, blouse, trousers, and even shoes in the same tonal family. Add texture through fabrics like silk, wool, or crepe to avoid flatness.
Layer'em up like a legend
Few people wear a coat like Meryl Streep, and one of her signature moves is effortless layering. From flowing tunics over wide-leg trousers to soft coats worn open over tailored suits, she knows how to create visual depth without adding bulk.
Trench coats, longline dusters, and capes often feature in her wardrobe, lending both drama and structure. Miranda Priestly cue? That cinched-waist winter white coat with the oversized collar in The Devil Wears Prada? Fashion architecture at its finest.
Recreate your own look:
A neutral-colored wool coat with strong shoulders and a clean silhouette can elevate everything underneath. Look for waterfall cardigans, dusters, and trench coats in neutral shades, stone, charcoal, and sand work beautifully.
Pair over monochrome basics for elongation and elegance. Add leather gloves for Miranda Priestly flair.
Architectural accessories
Meryl wears accessories like punctuation: never overused, always well-placed. Her mantra for the accessory game is simple: keep it minimal but meaningful. Think chunky tortoiseshell frames, sculptural necklaces, or an elegant silk scarf tied with effortless grace. Statement glasses when needed. It's all deliberate.
Recreate your own look:
Think one bold piece per outfit. Invest in one statement accessory, like a bold ring, a minimalist leather tote, a leather sling bag, or oversized glasses, that adds sophistication without overpowering the look.
Shoes that mean business
Gone are the days of painful stilettos. Meryl opts for kitten heels, pointed loafers, or elegant block heels that prioritize comfort and polish. Testament to the idea that sophistication can live in your comfort zone.
Miranda Priestly cue? Remember those python-textured pumps? Drama meets boardroom.
Recreate your own look:
Even if not a pair from Prada, look for refined, almond-toe pumps in nude, black, or metallic finishes. They'll take you from boardroom to brunch without skipping a beat. Invest in one pair of high-quality neutral-tone loafers or kitten heels. Pointed toes elongate, while square or almond shapes add edge.
Hair and makeup: Elegant, not over-the-top
There's muted elegance in makeup that doesn't scream for attention. In the age of overpowering cosmetic procedures, natural yet subtle stands out. Meryl knows it well and takes the cue. Her hair is always effortless, often swept back, in loose waves, or a classy chignon. Her makeup follows suit: dewy skin, defined eyes, neutral lips.
Recreate your own look:
Embrace your natural hair texture, enhance rather than mask.
Use a lightweight foundation, a subtle highlighter, and earth-toned eye shadows. Let your features shine, not your contour.
To sum it up, clean, comfortable (blended with class), and structured go a long way when it comes to fashion and style. Keep it minimal, but wear it with confidence. Furthermore, take cues from Meryl and make sustainability your top priority while making a fashion statement. She's often seen recycling gowns, wearing decades-old coats, or choosing pieces made by ethical designers.
In an industry that thrives on disposability, her mindful wardrobe is both rebellious and refreshing.
To dress like Meryl is to dress with intention, yet never lose sight of the aura and the power you hold within. It's not about impressing anyone, it's about expressing yourself in a way that feels natural, intelligent, and quietly unforgettable.
Remember, Miranda may have been fictional, but her sartorial presence was very real. She taught us that style is an extension of attitude, not a superficial add-on. Meryl, off-screen, reinforces the same idea: that you don't need trends to be stylish. You just need clarity and confidence.
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